Wilton (Connecticut)

Wilton (pop 18,000) is a small town on Connecticut's Gold Coast which has been gentrified because of its proximity to New York City.
The first written record of Wilton dates back to 1640. British forces used Wilton as an escape route after a successful 1777 raid on Danbury during the Revolutionary War. In the antebellum era before the American Civil War, abolitionist William Wakeman operated a stop on the Underground Railroad (the house is not open to the public).
Wilton has transformed itself from a small farming town to a suburban residential community. One of the most affluent communities in the US, Wilton is the home or headquarters of many global corporations, at one point including AIG Financial Products whose trading in credit derivatives helped create the global financial crisis of 2008–2009 by essentially bankrupting parent company AIG.

By car

From the south: take I-95 N toward New Haven, take Exit 15 toward Norwalk/Danbury
From the north: take I-95 S, take Exit CT 15/Merritt and W. Cross Pkwy

By bus

Greyhound has frequent bus routes and stops that go through Wilton

By train

Metro North Railroad Amtrak (MTA) trains run through Wilton's town center

By plane

John F. Kennedy International Airport is 55 miles (90 km) south of Wilton.
La Guardia Airport is 45 miles (70 km) south of Wilton.

• Weir Farm National Historic Site

  phone: +1 203-834-1896
  address: 735 Nod Hill Rd
  Only national park devoted to American painting. Historically furnished home and art studios, rotating art and history exhibits, beautiful ground that have inspired many artists. Weir Farm historically inspired artists including Julian Alden Weir, Albert Pinkham Ryder, Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent and Mahonri Young. The grounds continue to inspire artists and visitors today. Ranger-led tours are offered during visitor center hours, free of charge.

• The Heritage Museum

  phone: +1 203-762-7257
  address: 224 Danbury Road
  This Heritage Museum provides a glimpse of changes in rural New England.

• Merwin Meadows

  address: 180 School Road
  Merwin Meadows includes a pond, beautiful soccer fields and a playground. It is a great place to take children in the summer time. The Wilton Parks and Recreation holds a camp for school children at Merwin Meadows, during the summer months.

• River Road Gallery

  address: 21 River Road
  River Road Gallery features a custom fine art and mirror framing store. The store features local and international artists.

• Hurlbutt Street School

  address: 157 Hurlbutt Street
  The Hurlbutt Street School was built in 1834. It is one room and tours are available upon request.

• Quary Head Park, between 760 and 764 Ridgefield Road. Scenic trails for hiking and horseback riding.

• Allen's Meadow

  address: 425 Danbury Road
  Running trails and soccer fields
• Weir Pond and Swamp Loops, 735 Nod Hill. Voted one of the best running trails in Wilton

• Winged Monkey

  address: 5 River Road
  Small boutique, displays the latest fashion trends.

• Witchy Poo

  address: 24 Center Street
  Quaint store, great prices.

• Gap

  address: 21 River Road
  Located in the heart of Wilton center, clothes for men, women and children

• Outdoor Sports Center

  address: 80 Danbury Road
  The place to stock up on winter sports gear, the employees are knowledgeable and trustworthy.

• TJ Maxx

  address: 14 Danbury Road
  Great deals, clothes for men, women and children

• Historical Christmas Barn

  address: 146 Danbury Road
  The store features handmade Christmas goods.

• Toy Chest

  address: 21 River Road #700
  Provides the best toys available for children.

• Chou Chou

  address: 21 River Road #500
  Small boutique, specializes in woman's fashion.

• Open House

  address: 9 Center Street
  Bridal registry available, offers the best selection of fashion and home products.

• B Chic

  address: 78 Old RidgeField Road
  Great fashion, polite staff.

• Wilton Pizza and Pasta

  address: 202 Town Green
  Features jazz music, great pizza and atmosphere.

• Orem's Diner

  address: 167 Danbury Road
  Great family place, fabulous dinner food.

• Tom E Toes

  address: 5 River Road
  Great location. Try the BBQ chicken pizza.

• Luca

  address: 142 Old Ridgefield Road
  Zagat Rated, NY Times best restaurant in Fairfield County.

• Olde School House Grill

  address: 34 Cannon Road
  Great food, great for brunch.

• Cactus Rose

  address: 5 River Road

• Portofino Restaurant

  address: 12 Center Street
  Family restaurant, reasonably priced.
• Hunan Cafe 228 Town Green Center, +1 203-761-8998, great Chinese food, fabulous lunch prices.

• Pinocchio Pizza

  address: 1 Center Street
  Great Italian style food, fast service.

• Soup Alley

  address: 239 Danbury Road
  Best soup, great lunch destination.

• Village Luncheonette and Pizza

  address: 88 Old Ridgefield Road
  Great for kids, great waitstaff.

• Marly's

  address: 101 Old Ridgefield road
  Comfortable atmosphere, great steak.

• Village Market

  address: 108 Old Ridgefield road
  Fine food, great service, catering is available

Wilton is a small town which was considered a "dry" town until 1993. Today, Wilton is considered "damp", which means that there are no true bars or clubs in the town.

• Georgetown Saloon

  address: 8 Main Street
  Great entertainment, different bands featured throughout the month, also one of the only places to go out in the Wilton area.

• Sky Bar and Grille

  address: 239 Danbury Road
  Perfect atmosphere, as well as great dining.

• Tavern on Seven

  address: 611 Main Ave
  Although not in Wilton, it is just a few minutes over the border, great party place, popular place for the locals.

• Starbucks

  address: 21 River Road
  Casual place to socialize and study, it is in the heart of Wilton's center.

• Dunkin Donuts

  address: 35 Danbury Road
  Off the I-95 Exit, great place to stop before work for a cup of coffee.

Since Wilton is so small, it does not have any hotels or inns in the town, but the neighboring town of Norwalk has several options.

• Courtyard Norwalk +1 203 849-9111, 474 Main Avenue

• Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk +1 203 523-4000, 560 Main Avenue

• Silvermine Tavern +1 203 847-4558, 194 Perry Avenue

• Four Point Sheraton Norwalk +1 203 849-9828, 426 Main Avenue